Renewable thermoplastic polyurethanes containing rigid spiroacetal moieties

Unprecedented polyurethanes with rigid spiroacetal linkages in the backbone were synthesized from renewable resource compounds. First, the large-scale synthesis of a rigid diol monomer containing acetal bonds was established. Subsequently, this dial monomer was combined with seven different diisocyanates to vary the backbone of thermoplastic polyurethanes, leading to a spectrum of chemical and physical properties. The molar masses of the polymers ranged from 8 to 45 kDa and the corresponding polymers were obtained in high yields. DSC and DMTA analysis demonstrated glass transition temperatures up to 85 degrees C. Acid-mediated degradation of the materials was not noticed during hydrolytic stability tests. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.